[PRP] MAWAGE (Lan and Meng)

[kuropeco]

It was with some reluctance that he decided to honor his agreement to meet Lan for tea, half because Mengyao was feeling slightly less pleasant towards the horsewoman after having discovered that she had "wed" his soon-to-be wife; and half because he would have to actually admit to Lan that he had finally asked Lifen that particular question, and he was not entirely certain that he wanted to hear the answer.

Still, he went, because it was a set upon arrangement, and he was nothing if not loyal to his promises, all evidence to the contrary not withstanding.

So he came to Lan's door and knocked, his expression wary and vaguely tense.

istoleyurvamps

 

[kuropeco]

Mengyao offered Lan a slight smile before stepping into Lan's abode, smoothing down the front of his robes as he did so. He ducked his head and torso in a polite half bow before straightening again, slanting a curious gaze towards Lan.

"Your choice is fine," he said lightly. "I would be happy to dine by the gardens."

And maybe not have to discuss what will inevitably be discussed.

istoleyurvamps

 

[kuropeco]

Mengyao took a very long time to answer the question, gently lifting up his cup of tea and taking a long swallow, after which he set it slowly back down and slowly smoothed down the front of his robes and slowly nudged the cup and saucer back into their proper place.

He cleared his throat.

"Nothing much, dear cousin. And yourself?"

istoleyurvamps

 

[kuropeco]

Mengyao took a long swallow of his tea and said nothing for a very long time and simply let Lan rant on for several more minutes until he finally lowered his cup and set it gently back in its saucer, making sure it was neatly arranged before he carefully folded his hands into his lap and looked Lan straight in the eye. Then he said, as calmly as possible and with the absolute straightest, most laid back voice imaginable,

"Invictus."

iStoleYurVamps

 

[kuropeco]

He took another delicate sip of tea.

"We've been hiding it for quite some time," said Mengyao casually, running a finger along the rim of his teacup. "I suppose he thought people would disapprove, both of the fact that we are both, in fact, male, and that I am of a lower status than he is. However, circumstances have changed, and he and I have both agreed that it is time to come forward with and be unashamed of our partnership."

istoleyurvamps

 

[kuropeco]

He wondered how long he could keep this charade up. There was something deeply satisfying about leading her on this wild chase of assumptions, especially considering their own statuses in the world, and Lan's close ties with the Heir of Conquest.

Mengyao was enjoying this far too much.

He arched a single brow.

"Well," he said thoughtfully, tapping a long gray finger against his chin. "I suppose I shall have to find suitable matches for those of the royal bloodlines. Perhaps you should make a good mare for that stallion, what was his name..."

His gaze slid sideways towards her.

"Oh, but is there a reason you are so concerned with the marriages, dear Lan?"

iStoleYurVamps

 

[kuropeco]

And there it was: Lan's confession. Mengyao had been waiting for it, and now that he had it, it gave him a terrible sense of smugness.

Slowly, Mengyao set down his teacup, arranging it delicately on the saucer. He pushed himself to his feet and smoothed down the front of his robes, gliding around to stand behind Lan, reaching one hand out of his draping sleeve to pat her reassuringly on the shoulder.

"There, there, my dear," he said lightly. "I'm aware of your marriage to Lifen. In fact..."

He leaned closer, his face right next to hers to whisper in her ear.

"That is precisely why I have spun this ridiculous tale of untruths."

iStoleYurVamps